TT 2016: Lee Johnston targets rostrum finish on East Coast Triumph

Johnston finished seventh in Monday’s race on his East Coast/Burdens Triumph 675 and was on course for a top six finish in the Superstock race when he retired from fourth on his BMW at Sulby on the penultimate lap.

The Northern Ireland rider, whose fastest lap so far this week at the TT is 130.692mph set on his way to 10th place in the RST Superbike race, says he is hopeful of a change of luck.

“Monday’s Superstock race was the first time I really got into a rhythm, and we maybe could have sneaked in for a podium, but that’s the way it goes,” said the ‘General’.

“We had a mechanical and it’s no-one’s fault. Those opening two laps of 129.9mph and 130.5mph we did without a quickshifter, so it’s a pity I suppose as we had the pace to challenge for a third place. Hopefully our luck will change.

“On the Supersport bike we had a small oil leak problem, so the plan for tomorrow is to push on a try to challenge for the podium,” added Johnston, who injured himself in a crash at the Scarborough Spring Cup meeting in April.

“That’s the intention anyway, but we need a good start. I feel okay physically, I just struggle through the bumpy bits, but we’re still learning, enjoying it and staying positive.”

Johnston is also in action in the SES TT Zero race, when he is joined by Bradford racer Dean Harrison on the Sarolea Racing machines.

He finished on the podium in the race last year behind Mugen’s John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey.